Revisiting the Hymark kit

[gtriever]

Doing a search for the Hymark kits, I've noticed that everybody has had issues with the Sharpies drying out after a day or two. So, a question: Has anybody tried an O-ring at the base of the nib in order to get a better seal?

 

[gtriever]

24 hours, 133 views and no 'yes' comments. I'm going to take that as a 'No', then. :biggrin:
I'll run to Harbor Freight to pick up some O-rings and give it a go - and I'll post the results in a few days...

 

[Monty]

Had the same problems when they first came out a few years ago. Contacted Berea and was told I was the only one with that complaint. Lost about 4 or 5 Trustone blanks to that fiasco.

 

[gtriever]

Had the same problems when they first came out a few years ago. Contacted Berea and was told I was the only one with that complaint. Lost about 4 or 5 Trustone blanks to that fiasco.

Yeah, right. So far the only person I've seen in a post that hasn't had that problem is Ed at Exotic Blanks. Ed, you wanna share the secret of getting a good seal?

 

[ed4copies]

Had the same problems when they first came out a few years ago. Contacted Berea and was told I was the only one with that complaint. Lost about 4 or 5 Trustone blanks to that fiasco.

Yeah, right. So far the only person I've seen in a post that hasn't had that problem is Ed at Exotic Blanks. Ed, you wanna share the secret of getting a good seal?

I think it depends where you live. Wisconsin is almost never dry air. I had a couple Hymark kits in my workspace at the old building--no heat or air conditioning. They didn't dry out. But I saw enough complaints about them to believe there is a problem, which I BELIEVE comes from hot, real dry air---I acknowledge that COULD have nothing to do with the problem, there are, potentially, dozens of causes.

 

[Monty]

Had the same problems when they first came out a few years ago. Contacted Berea and was told I was the only one with that complaint. Lost about 4 or 5 Trustone blanks to that fiasco.

Yeah, right. So far the only person I've seen in a post that hasn't had that problem is Ed at Exotic Blanks. Ed, you wanna share the secret of getting a good seal?

I think it depends where you live. Wisconsin is almost never dry air. I had a couple Hymark kits in my workspace at the old building--no heat or air conditioning. They didn't dry out. But I saw enough complaints about them to believe there is a problem, which I BELIEVE comes from hot, real dry air---I acknowledge that COULD have nothing to do with the problem, there are, potentially, dozens of causes.

I have hot and humid air here, close to Houston. When I experienced the problem was several years ago in October. Temp here in October can run between mid 50's and upper 70's and low 80's with humidity between 75%-95%.
(edit in) Should clarify though that the pens were kept in my pen case inside where the temp is usually around 72 with the RH 50-55%.

 

[MTViper]

I made 4 of these, gave away 2 and sold 2. Warned everyone not to leave the marker in the Hymark tube because it would dry out. Air is dry most of the time here in west TX, tho.
Steve

 

[gtriever]

Update : The O-ring idea was a bust. The Sharpie dried out overnight. Oh well, back to the drawing board...

 

[BCnabe]

I'm directly across Lake Michigan from Ed (8 miles from the lakeshore) and mine dried out in about 48 hours.

 

[gtriever]

Update: The Hymark kit was a total bust. Lesson learned, pay more attention to the reviews. However - The Schmidt 6040 Fineliner, paired with a Mistral Rollerball kit, has been working great. I just wish they made the 6040 in an Ultrafine tip.